Lymphocyte count

Lymphocyte Count

A Lymphocyte Count is a blood test that measures the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the body. Lymphocytes play a crucial role in the immune system, defending the body against disease-causing organisms such as viruses and bacteria.

Types of Lymphocytes

There are three main types of lymphocytes: B cells, T cells, and Natural Killer cells. Each type has a unique function in the immune response.

B cells

B cells are responsible for producing antibodies that can bind to pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

T cells

T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity. They can directly kill infected cells or help other immune cells to respond more effectively.

Natural Killer cells

Natural Killer cells can recognize and kill infected cells without the need for antibodies or other immune responses.

Lymphocyte Count Test

A Lymphocyte Count Test is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC), a routine blood test that measures different components of the blood. The test can provide valuable information about a person's overall health and their immune system function.

Interpreting Lymphocyte Count Results

The normal range for lymphocyte count varies between laboratories but is generally between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. A high lymphocyte count, or lymphocytosis, may indicate an infection or certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A low lymphocyte count, or lymphocytopenia, can be a sign of a weakened immune system, possibly due to a serious infection, certain medications, or conditions such as HIV/AIDS or cancer.

See Also

• Complete Blood Count
• White Blood Cell Count
• Immune System